Michigan holds on against Ohio State–“The Game” Recap
Michigan holds on against Ohio State–“The Game” Recap
No. 3 Michigan emerged as winners against No. 2 Ohio State, dealing them their first defeat this season. Let me give you the one and only recap you'll need for this year's game.
It’s the 119th edition of “The Game” at the biggest college football stadium, the Big House. Two undefeated teams are coming in at 11-0, and a shot at the Big Ten Conference title game is on the line, as well as hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoffs. This is one of the most hated rivalries in sports, and these teams can’t stand each other.
Michigan has emerged victorious in back-to-back matchups against the Buckeyes in this series, propelling them to secure two Big Ten titles and earn two appearances in the College Football Playoff.
The stakes couldn’t be higher in this game. Sherrone Moore plays a crucial role in supporting Jim Harbaugh. Just as Ryan Day filled the shoes of Urban Meyer, seamlessly transitioning into the role. Highly inventive coaches lead these two formidable teams.
The Buckeyes dominated this rivalry for a stretch, losing just once from 2004 until the last two years. As they face Michigan, they are the underdogs, striving to contain their explosive rushing attack and dictate the game’s pace.
In this showdown, the top two defenses in the nation collide, each boasting an impressive record of allowing fewer than 10 points per game. Both defenses will face a daunting task containing playmakers such as Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum, as well as Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson.
The Game
Unsurprisingly, both teams’ defenses are bringing the heat after Michigan and Ohio State went 3-and-out on their first drives. Both teams are playing it safe with those wide receiver screens on third down. In what we all expected to be a low-scoring game, Ryan Day had a 4th-and-1 and punted. He could go for it, but Day rarely makes risky calls.
Both teams have had two drives, and it’s clear that neither believes in their quarterbacks. McCarthy and McCord are a combined 3-for-6 for 20 yards to start the game.
It’s no surprise Blake Corum always scores within the five-yard line. Almost all his touchdowns this season were from there, and that’s exactly how he scored today. Michigan strikes first, capitalizing off of the McCord interception.
With 90 seconds left in the 1st quarter, the Michigan offense picked up its first down of the game. The Wolverines remain in front 7-3.
Michigan’s ahead 14-3 in the second quarter. That touchdown was a clear example of why it was so important for Michigan to have Roman Wilson back. The trust between Wilson and J.J. McCarthy is incredible. They’ve hooked up for 11 touchdowns this year. That was also McCarthy’s first touchdown pass since Oct. 21.
FYI, Ohio State has never let their opponents score this much in the first half of all season.
Ohio State is narrowing the gap with Michigan. Kyle McCord was at the top of his game during that touchdown drive—accurate decision-making with speed and rhythm.
Ryan Day used a lot of time to prepare for a 52-yard field goal attempt (which he missed) while trailing by four on the road. That decision would perplex most, especially against Michigan in a crucial game. Meanwhile, Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines’ acting head coach, has made three fourth-and-short attempts and converted all of them, showing no regrets.
Halftime Notes
Despite a shaky start, both quarterbacks McCord and McCarthy showed improvement and deserved recognition as the game progressed. Neither team had a standout performance but improved as the game continued.
Ryan Day! Ryan Day had multiple chances to go for it on fourth down and extend the Buckeyes’ drives, but he played it safe. Day’s play calls were very conservative at the beginning of the game. The Wolverines’ coach decided to go for it on fourth down three times and successfully converted each attempt.
Michigan and Ohio State had difficulties in the run game during the first half, with Michigan gaining only 39 yards and Ohio State gaining just 34 yards. The run game will be crucial for the winning team’s success in the second half.
Second Half
McCarthy’s incompletion on a third and five stalled the Wolverines’ six-play, 46-play drive in the first possession of the second half. James Turner makes a successful field goal attempt from 50 yards. Michigan is leading 17-10 with 11:43 left in the third period.
The Buckeyes opted for an old-fashioned, run-focused approach on their initial drive. They finished their drive with eight consecutive running plays, gaining 46 yards at an average of 5.75 yards per carry, resulting in a touchdown by Treveyon Henderson. The dominance of the Buckeyes’ offensive line against the Wolverines’ front seven is worth noting. The score is level; both teams have 17 points.
Blake Corum finishes a seven-play, 75-yard drive for Michigan with a 22-yard touchdown run. The Wolverines take the lead 24-17 in a drive full of emotions.
Zak Zinter, the right guard for Michigan, suffered a potentially serious leg injury. It’s terrible news for Michigan and Zinter, their top offensive lineman. Zinter is loaded onto the cart while the whole team huddles around. Zinter raised a fist toward the crowd.
Zak Zinter is a bona fide All-American and one of the country’s finest run blockers. The Wolverines’ offense didn’t appear affected by the moment’s emotions.
This week, much debate has been about how the acting head coach, Sherrone Moore, would handle pivotal moments against Ohio State. The game has already featured three successful fourth-and-short conversions, QB Alex Orji (transferred from North Texas), and a trick play RB pass. Moore’s identity does not align with conservatism. Michigan has pulled out all the stops in this game, while Ohio State has played chiefly conservatively.
Ohio State will not be extinguished; The Buckeyes have been down double digits two times in this game and have immediately responded with a touchdown drive. Marvin Harrison Jr. sealed the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass. With 8:05 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes must come up with a stop to regain possession, as they are currently behind 27-24.
The Wolverines displayed a methodical, patient, and physical approach in their next possession, consistently gaining first downs and effectively managing the clock. They took seven minutes off the clock on a 13-play, 56-play drive that concluded with a 37-yard field goal by James Turner. Michigan is ahead of Ohio State 30-24 with 1:00 left in the game.
There’s a chance for Ohio State to come out victorious in this game. They were trailing by 6 with 1:05 remaining and no timeouts available. Will Kyle McCord be able to orchestrate another game-winning drive away from home?
Ohio State advanced the ball with a 22-yard pass to Marvin Harrison, Jr on second down, reaching their 41-yard line. Julian Fleming caught a 21-yard pass from McCord but fumbled it. Fortunately, Emeka Egbuka recovered it at the Michigan 37-yard line. Rod Moore from Michigan made an interception on Kyle McCord’s pass on the following play.
Post-Game Analysis
Michigan emerges victorious over Ohio State with a final score of 30-24, securing their place in the Big Ten Championship for the third consecutive time, a feat not achieved since 1995-1997. Over the past three games, Michigan scored 72-31 against Ohio State during the second half. The Big Ten championship will witness a rematch between Michigan and Iowa for the second time in three years. The Wolverines emerged victorious in the past three encounters, whereas the Hawkeyes had prevailed in five out of the previous six.
Running back Blake Corum of Michigan recorded 88 yards and two touchdowns, whereas quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed 16 out of 20 passes, accumulating 148 yards and scoring a touchdown. Ohio State QB Kyle McCord’s statistics for the game included 18 completions on 30 attempts, resulting in 271 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. In the game, Marvin Harrison Jr. caught five passes, amassing 118 yards and scoring a touchdown, while TreVeyon Henderson contributed 60 rushing yards and a score.
Ryan Day’s record as the head coach of Ohio State stands at 1-6 against College Football Playoff Top 5 opponents. His record against Michigan stands at 1-3, while his CFB Playoff record is 1-3. However, he boasts an impressive 54-1 record in all other games. Following the loss, social media has already been buzzing with Ryan Day’s abysmal performance.
Sherrone Moore is a proficient coach, and those who challenge this assertion need to improve their football expertise. Michigan began the game with two consecutive three-and-outs and scored on six out of seven drives for the remainder of the game. Harbaugh shaped the game plan, but Moore was liable for making the critical decisions in the game.
Stay informed with fresh content by subscribing below if you found this article illuminating.
Thank you for perusing and stay tuned for additional updates.